Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That approach has been examined by the Department of Finance, which will make a view on it known. I did express my concern. I am not convinced of the speed with which such a tax would bring us a solution, but if it helps, I have no problem with it whatsoever. I am trying to offer carrots to make it attractive to bring these properties back into use. By all means, however, we need to strengthen the laws. I discussed this with local authorities yesterday . We have to put them in a stronger position in order to deal with vacant properties, and that is what we are trying to do. If a vacant homes tax works, we will opt for that as well.

Yesterday, we discussed the vacant site register and the effect it is having. The Deputy is correct. In many cases where people were notified that they were going to be put on the vacant site register, they came forward with plans to develop. Deputy O'Dowd's suggestion of a vacant house tax might have the same effect. It might drive people to do something to avoid the tax. I understand the reasoning.